Feline Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study of 45 Cases (2001–2012)
March 2014
in “
Veterinary dermatology
”
feline atopic dermatitis pruritus otitis externa superficial bacterial pyoderma intradermal allergen testing ciclosporin systemic glucocorticoids allergen-specific immunotherapy antihistamines cat AD itching ear infection skin infection allergy testing cyclosporine steroids allergy shots allergy meds
TLDR Cats with atopic dermatitis often have severe, year-round itching and respond well to certain treatments.
The retrospective study analyzed 45 cases of feline atopic dermatitis (AD) from 2001 to 2012, finding a prevalence of 12.5% among feline dermatology patients. Domestic mixed breeds, Abyssinians, and Devon rex cats were more likely to develop AD, with a median onset age of 2 years. The majority of cats (82%) experienced severe, nonseasonal pruritus, with lesions commonly affecting the face/head, ventral abdomen, and neck. Concurrent conditions such as otitis externa and superficial bacterial pyoderma were also observed. Intradermal allergen testing indicated strong reactions to pollens and insects in 68% of tested cats. Treatments varied, with ciclosporin showing a 100% response rate in 10 cats, systemic glucocorticoids having a 55% response rate in 40 cats, allergen-specific immunotherapy having a 57% response rate in 23 cats, and antihistamines having a 67% response rate in 33 cats. The study concluded that feline AD is more prevalent and presents with a wider range of symptoms than previously recognized, with certain treatments showing good efficacy.
